“Considering the enormous value of the information he has revealed, and the abuses he has exposed,” the Times editorial said, “Mr. Snowden deserves better than a life of permanent exile, fear and flight. He may have committed a crime to do so, but he has done his country a great service. It is time for the United States to offer Mr. Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency that would allow him to return home, face at least substantially reduced punishment in light of his role as a whistle-blower."

Many criticize Snowden for exposing secrets that might compromise the nation's security and fleeing to Russia, a U.S. rival and hardly a bastion of freedom.

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